Key Verse: “So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.”(Ephesians 5:!5-16 NLT)
15 So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise.
16 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.
Reflection: (Ephesians 5:15-16)
By referring to these days as evil, Paul was communicating the sense of urgency because of evil’s pervasiveness.
We need the same sense of urgency because our days are also difficult.
We must keep our standards high, act wisely, and do good whenever we can.
17 Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.
18 Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit,
Reflection: (Ephesians 5:18)
Paul contrasts getting drunk with wine, which produces a temporary “high,” to being filled with the Spirit, which produces lasting joy.
Getting drunk with wine is associated with the old way of life and its selfish desires in Christ, we have a better joy, higher and longer lasting, to cure our depression, monotony, or tension.
We should not be concerned with how much of the Holy Spirit we have; but with how much of us the Holy Spirit has.
Submit yourself daily to His leading and dray constantly on His power.
19 singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts.
Reflection: (Ephesians 5:18-19)
The effects of alcohol are obvious, but what happens when we are under the influence of the Holy Spirit?
In these verses, Paul lists three by-products of the Spirit’s influence in our lives:
- Singing
- Making music
- Giving thanks
Paul did not intend to suggest that believers only discuss religious matters, but that whatever we do or say should be:
- Permeated with an attitude of joy,
- Thankfulness to God,
- Encouragement of others.
Instead of whining and complaining – which our culture has raised to an art form – we are to focus on the goodness of God and His mercies toward us.
How would others characterize your words and attitudes?
20 And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Reflection: (Ephesians 5:20)
When you feel down, you may find it difficult to give thanks.
Take heart – in all things God works for our good if we love Him and are called by Him (Romans 8:28).
Thank God, not for your problems, but for the strength He is building in you through the difficult experiences of your life.
You can be sure that God’s perfect will see you through.